Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define lesser-known and lesser-used timber species.
• Identify properties of at least three local timber species.
• Understand the importance of entrepreneurship in woodwork.
• Outline a simple business plan for a woodwork enterprise.

Lesson summary

In Ghana, the woodwork industry is a major source of employment, from the single carpenter by the roadside to large furniture manufacturing companies. Having excellent practical skills in making furniture, doors, or windows is essential, but it is not enough to build a successful and sustainable career. This lesson introduces the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship, equipping learners with the business mindset needed to transform their technical woodwork skills into a profitable enterprise. We will explore how to move from being just a craftsperson to becoming a business owner who can create jobs, innovate, and contribute to the local economy.

Lesson notes

This section breaks down the core ideas needed to understand entrepreneurship in the woodwork sector. Concept 1: What is Entrepreneurship in Woodwork?

An entrepreneur is more than just a skilled worker. An entrepreneur is an individual who identifies a need in the market, takes a calculated risk to start a business, organizes resources (money, materials, people), and manages the business to make a profit.

In the context of woodwork: A carpenter is a skilled person who makes wooden items for a wage or a fixed price per item. A woodwork entrepreneur is a person who: Identifies an opportunity: For example, noticing that a new estate being built nearby will need kitchen cabinets, or that local schools need new desks. Takes risks: They buy wood, varnish, and tools with their own money or a loan, hoping to sell the finished products for a profit. There is a risk that the items might not sell. Manages resources: They decide what materials to buy (e.g., choosing affordable but durable *Ofram* wood instead of expensive *Odum*), hire apprentices, set prices, and find customers. Innovates: They might introduce new furniture designs, use social media (like Instagram) to showcase their work, or decide to use Lesser-Used Timber Species (LUS) to create unique, eco-friendly products.

Example: *Kofi is a carpenter who works for a large furniture company in Accra. He is paid a monthly salary. He is a skilled craftsman.* *Adwoa is also a skilled carpenter. She noticed that many people in her community, Koforidua, wanted modern, affordable baby cots but couldn't find them. She used her savings to buy tools and wood, designed three different cots, and displayed them in front of her workshop. She is a woodwork entrepreneur.* Concept 2: Forms of Business Organizations

Evaluation guide

• Basic e ntrepreneurship in woodwork industry
• Critical Thinking and Talk for Learning Approaches: Guide learners through
• whole class session to brainstorm the meaning of entrepreneurship with open -
• understanding